COVID-19 Information

October 30, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

• The Health Service staffwere busy this weekperforming161screening tests with a positivity rate of1.18%. This week’s confirmed positive cases for those self-reporting or those identified through SIUE testing totaled8for students and1for faculty/staff. The number of current 14-day new positive tests stands at16students and5faculty/staff.For a more in-depth look at SIUE’s COVID numbers, you may access the COVID Dashboard by clickinghere.

With the reported increase in cases in Illinois and in St. Louis, it is important to obtain a screening test as another precaution. Screening appointments can be scheduledhere.

• Because there are so many social and health-related causes of uncertainty and distress at this moment, I want to remind you that we have a mental health provider, Karen Banks, M.Ed., LPC, to support the psychological needs of our staff and faculty. These services are free of charge and are currently available onThursdays (8:00 a.m. - Noon, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) and Fridays (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.). Appointments with Ms. Banks can be accessed here. Please take care of yourself. I encourage you to continue to prioritize gracewith self and others.
• Please be sure to complete the annual, mandated state ethics training. It must be submitted by tomorrow, Saturday, October 31 at midnight, to avoid penalties from the State of Illinois and will require approximately 30-40 minutes of your time.
• Citizenship is one of SIUE’s core values, so please take time to vote. Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day, is a University holiday and classes are not in session, SIUE is stillopento serve our students and provide other essential services. Residence halls will remainopen, along with the MUC and Dining operations in the MUC. Campus Recreation opens at noon on Nov. 3rd.You may find a listing of official campus holidays athttps://www.siue.edu/misc/holiday-admin-closure-sked/.
• The Alumni Association online Pop Up Shop is now open through November 16^th! Finish some of your holiday and graduation shopping early through the SIUE Alumni Association’s Merchandise Sale with all proceeds helping to benefit scholarships for current SIUE students.
• I hope that the State of the University Address on Tuesday provided helpful information. If you were not able to view the session, it is available athttps://siue.techsmithrelay.com/3lT2.

Remember if you are feeling ill, don’t come to campus. If you are under quarantine or isolation, please do not leave it early. I’m proud to serve with you.

Best wishes for the weekend,

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor